Winter Storms Triggered More Flu

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The spring-like weather in North Texas hardly means flu season is over. Despite a slow start in the fall, the flu is now widespread in 37 states, including Texas. Doctors have seen a growing number of flu cases in the last three weeks.

Dr. Jill Waggoner, a family physician, said the January and February winter storms kept people indoors and in close quarters with others more than usual, which made it easier to pass viruses around.

Winter Season Leads to Flu Season

After two major winter storms, doctors seeing more cases of flu. (Published Monday, Feb. 21, 2011)

"We see lots of people with fever that's running high, you know, 103-104. Lots of back pain and ache and just that wiped-out feeling," said Dr. Waggoner. "If somebody in your family has had flu, then you want to make sure that you get tested. There's lots of flu out there. So you still have time to get your flu shot."

This flu season, more than 4,000 people in Dallas County have tested positive for influenza. More than 330 of them have been hospitalized.

Flu season usually runs until March, and this year should be no exception. The flu has spread to all 50 states. About 37,000 Americans die of it each year.